Maulana Masood Ahmed Chishti Sabri Dehlavi- Sunni Sufi Scholar and Preacher
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
12 March 2026
Maulana Masood Ahmed Chishti Sabri Dehlvi was a Sunni Sufi scholar, preacher, and author associated with the Ahle Sunnat (Barelvi) tradition. Trained by prominent scholars, he devoted his life to preaching, defending Sunni beliefs, and guiding people spiritually in India and later in Karachi.
Main points:
· Born in 1907 in Delhi in a religious family.
· Studied under prominent Ahle Sunnat scholars.
· Hafiz-e-Qur’an and influential preacher.
· Founded Sabri Masjid and delivered famous Muharram sermons.
· Passed away on 28 July 1982; buried in New Karachi Cemetery.
Masood Ahmad Sabri ka tha ilm o irfan se roshan safar,
Deen ki khidmat mein guzri zindagi, zikr-e-Haq tha unka hunar.
(His life was a light of knowledge and devotion to the truth,
In service of faith he lived, with love for God and His Messenger as his proof.)
Maulana Masood Ahmed Chishti Sabri Delhvi was a sunni islamic scholar, author. He belonged to the Barelvi movement of Sunni Islam. He was born in 1325 AH, according to 1907 A.D. in Delhi (India) at the house of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Karamatullah. Among the esteemed teachers of Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Masood Ahmad Sahib Chishti Sabri, he received instruction in Qur’anic memorisation and religious studies from several distinguished scholars of the Ahle Sunnat tradition. His teachers included Hafiz and Qari Abdu Rahim Dehlavi, from whom he learned the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an; Hazrat Syed Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi, the renowned scholar and author; Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Abul Barakat Qadri Razvi; and Hazrat Allama Mufti Muhammad Umar Naimi Ashrafi. Under the guidance of these eminent scholars, he acquired a strong foundation in Islamic sciences and traditional Sunni scholarship.
Initially, he also received academic, practical, and spiritual guidance from his father, Muhammad Karamatullah Khan Chishti Sabri. During his educational journey in Lahore, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Masood Ahmad Chishti Sabri had the honor of associating with renowned scholars such as the preacher Shireen Bian Khatib Zeeshan Madaab Islam and Hazrat Maulana Abul Noor Muhammad Bashir Sahib Sialkoti.
He was a Hafiz al-Qur'an, an eloquent preacher of Islam, a repository of Shari'ah knowledge, and a beacon of Tariqat realities. He possessed numerous virtues and was known for his intelligence, wisdom, and exceptional moral qualities, blessed with both inner and outer beauty. Born as the youngest among three brothers and three sisters, he was cherished by his parents and siblings.
He returned to Delhi after receiving his Sanad Farah from Jamia Naeemia Moradabad. Following the passing of his father, He undertook religious duties including leading prayers, delivering speeches, and writing. He expanded his outreach beyond Calcutta and Bombay, initiating the publication of a monthly magazine named “Al-Risalat.” The magazine aimed to respond to objections raised by non-believers and defend the beliefs of Ahle Sunnat. Hazrat engaged in debates on various topics including vows, niyaz, rewards, beliefs, and practices, successfully upholding the teachings of Ahle Sunnat through the grace and blessings of Allah and the benevolence of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad.
After the partition of India and Pakistan, He temporarily resided in Lahore before permanently settling in Karachi due to the presence of relatives, friends, and followers there. He laid the foundation of Sabri Masjid in the renowned “Ranchor Line” area of Karachi, where he commenced leading prayers, delivering sermons, and offering guidance. Initially facing opposition, He eventually won over his detractors through the grace of Allah and the intercession of the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad.
His sermons during Muharram in Karachi became immensely popular. While the speeches of renowned scholars from Punjab had their own place, Hazrat's distinctive style during Muharram was marked by passion and intensity. His gatherings extended not just for ten days but continued for forty days, covering topics such as monotheism, prophethood, the honor of Ahl al-Bayt, and the stature of great companions. His sermons attracted large crowds, with Al Farooq Hotel visible on Jinnah Street and Gosh Market nearby, drawing both men and women participants.
Throughout his life, Hazrat sincerely dedicated himself to the promotion of religion and the teachings of Ahle Sunnat.
Maulana Masood Ahmed Chishti Sabri Dehlavi’s ideological outlook was that of a traditional Sunni Sufi scholar firmly rooted in the Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat tradition, which in the Indian subcontinent is generally associated with Barelvi thought. His approach emphasised strict adherence to Shariah while simultaneously following the Tariqa of the Chishti Sabri Sufi order. He strongly promoted deep love and reverence for the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad, belief in intercession, and respect for the Ahle Bait, Sahaba, and Auliya. He also defended traditional Sunni devotional practices such as Isal-e-Sawab, Nazar-o-Niyaz, Fatiha, and Urs celebrations. Through his speeches, debates, and writings, he opposed groups that he believed deviated from Sunni orthodoxy on these issues. His preaching style reflected the Chishti Sabri emphasis on emotional and heartfelt spirituality through waaz, zikr, and religious gatherings, encouraging devotion and service to the Muslim community. Overall, he embodied a balance between outward religious scholarship and inner spiritual refinement. A motto often associated with his life in biographical references was: “Zindagi un ki hai jo marte hain, haq ke naam par!” (Life belongs to those who are ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of truth).
Masood Ahmad Sahib Chishti Sabri pledged allegiance to his esteemed father, the revered leader of Shariat, Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Karamatullah Chishti Sabri and later received authorization in the chain of Chishti Sabri.
Masood Ahmad Sahib Chishti Sabri passed away at the age of eighty-five (85) on 22 Zul-Qa'dah 1402 AH, corresponding to 28 July 1982. His Mazar-e-Sharif (mausoleum) is located in No. 6, New Karachi Cemetery.
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A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
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